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Exploring More Ways to Combat Gun Violence in NY

Local state lawmakers say federal lawmakers need to play catch up

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Nearly a week after twin mass shootings in Dayton and El Paso, state lawmakers say the rest of the nation needs to catch up to what New York has already done in efforts to curb gun violence.

State Senator Tim Kennedy says Washington needs to wake up. "These mass shootings are happening all across the nation," says Kennedy. "The fact that there are leaders in Washington who are not only slow to do anything about this crisis, but they are adverse to doing anything to rein in the despicable mass shootings and hold people accountable is unconscionable." Kennedy says other states should emulate what New York has done, even if done piece by piece, to push the ball forward.

Kennedy says New York should continue to research what can be done to make the state safer. "At the same itme, upholding the eecond amendment rights and ensure people have the right to bear arms. That said, we still need regulations to be put in place so guns don't go into the hands of criminals and others who want to do harm," notes Kennedy.

Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes says the mass shootings may have prompted those opposed previously to take another look. "You may have noticed a number of Republicans now talking about how they can implement gun laws. It's that kind of conversation that makes me think something could happen at the federal level," says Peoples-Stokes.

Peoples-Stokes says she's pleased New York has passed the Red Flag law, where loved ones can reach out if they feel someone may be in danger of harming others, and having any firearms taken away. She says people should have a right, but regulations should be in place to prevent mass shootings.